Jumping on the coattails of the extremely popular energy drinks kids and adults alike are guzzling by the gallon, alcoholic malt beverages with the top ingredients of non-alcoholic energy drinks are imitating the splashy labeling, and perhaps being mistaken for the alcohol-free brand.
Most energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine and ginseng, while many also contain guarana, as do the alcoholic "energy" drinks.
With alcohol content as high as 9 percent or more, these 16-24-ounce beverages can really pack a wallop, and apparently not all store clerks are aware that these drinks contain alcohol and are for 21 and over drinkers only.
Some fear that kids are able to drink from these look-alike cans undetected. Indeed, one survey at a California high school cafeteria found nine students having a little brewsky with their lunch, -- and no one the wiser.
How easy might it be for kids to brazenly pull the same stunt right in front of their parents? One brand even has alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Some stores have the registers programmed to alert the cashier that the drink contains alcohol and the buyer must have an ID showing proof of age. Meanwhile, it might be smart to take a little closer look at those labels.